'This is war': Florida sheriff urges citizens to arm themselves in case of
attack

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida sheriff's office posted a controversial
message on social media, urging citizens to arm themselves in self-defense.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted the video on Facebook Wednesday,
two days after a deadly workplace shooting in nearby Orlando claimed the
lives of five people.

"Folks, now more than ever is the time for our citizens to be prepared to
serve as the first line of defense, not only for them, but for their
families," Sheriff Ivey said.

As images of the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting and Pulse nightclub
massacre flashed on-screen, Ivey warned residents that attacks have happened
locally as well as abroad.

"What's next is to fully understand that this is war, and you better be
prepared to wage war to protect you, your family, and those around you if
attacked," he said.
Ivey stressed that attackers rely on people running, hiding, and waiting for
help, rather than fighting back.

"What they don't count on is being attacked themselves, having to become
defensive to save their own lives," Ivey argued.

The sheriff said that calling 911 means officers are on their way, but said,
"Until they arrive, it's up to you and those with you to neutralize or
eliminate the threat."

Ivey encouraged people to take self-defense classes, and urged those with
concealed weapons permits to carry their guns with them at all times.

"No matter who you are or what your position is on guns, there's no denying
the fact that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun or a knife is
an armed and well-prepared citizen or law enforcement officer," Ivey said.

The sheriff's message received a mixed response. Some residents applauded
his stance while others criticized it, calling it "fear-mongering" and
encouraging vigilantes.

On Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 10:47:22 AM UTC-7, BurfordTJustice wrote:
'This is war': Florida sheriff urges citizens to arm themselves in case of
attack

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida sheriff's office posted a controversial
message on social media, urging citizens to arm themselves in self-defense.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted the video on Facebook Wednesday,
two days after a deadly workplace shooting in nearby Orlando claimed the
lives of five people.

"Folks, now more than ever is the time for our citizens to be prepared to
serve as the first line of defense, not only for them, but for their
families," Sheriff Ivey said.

As images of the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting and Pulse nightclub
massacre flashed on-screen, Ivey warned residents that attacks have happened
locally as well as abroad.

"What's next is to fully understand that this is war, and you better be
prepared to wage war to protect you, your family, and those around you if
attacked," he said.
Ivey stressed that attackers rely on people running, hiding, and waiting for
help, rather than fighting back.

"What they don't count on is being attacked themselves, having to become
defensive to save their own lives," Ivey argued.

The sheriff said that calling 911 means officers are on their way, but said,
"Until they arrive, it's up to you and those with you to neutralize or
eliminate the threat."

Ivey encouraged people to take self-defense classes, and urged those with
concealed weapons permits to carry their guns with them at all times.

"No matter who you are or what your position is on guns, there's no denying
the fact that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun or a knife is
an armed and well-prepared citizen or law enforcement officer," Ivey said.

The sheriff's message received a mixed response. Some residents applauded
his stance while others criticized it, calling it "fear-mongering" and
encouraging vigilantes.

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